sad rescue dog

[puffinnuffin]

I went to see an KCC Spaniel today in a rescue centre today. It was heartbreaking. The dog was handed in to a dog pound in Wales and was due to be destroyed. Fortunately she was saved by the rescue centre last week.

This poor little dog was shaking so much with fear she could barely walk. She also has arthiritus, a grade 4/5 heart murmer, rotten teeth and isn't house trained. She is clearly an ex breeding dog who has been dumped. How can people let a dog get in this state?

I took my foster Cavalier in to meet her (he's here for a year). She liked him but he didn't seem happy- no waggy tail as normal. However it was pouring with rain and my foster dog really hates the rain.

I really don't know what to do. If it was just me I would take this dog home today. Despite shaking alot she tried to be friendly and was very sweet. However there are my 2 young children to think of and the foster dog who didn't seem to like her.

Sorry for rambling!

[D0oinMeCleanin]

Oh the poor thing. If it was me I'd take her in an instant but I am not sensible. A sensible person would think it through properly. A dog this nervous would need someone prepared to put in some time and effort. Not to mention the vet costs or would the rescue cover these? The rescues I work with don't adopt very sick dogs or dogs with known on going health issues, they put them in a kind of long term foster, where they still over see and pay for all health problems/special diet etc, but they don't look for permanent homes, the dog stays with it's foster carer for the rest of it's life.

[puffinnuffin]

Thanks for the quick reply.

The rescue would sort her teeth out before she left but paying for the medication she may need in the future would be down to us (which is fine). They have no history about her at all though.

The one "positive" thing I was told was that she doesn't have heart disease yet and has a sweet nature.

I was told I could return her if it didn't work out but obviously wouldn't want to get to that stage. Apparently there is a lot of interest in her as she is suitable for children as young as 2.

I can't stop thinking about this poor dog.

[shinky]

What an awful story. People who treat animals like this make me sick What rescue is she with PUFFIN if you don't mind me asking? Is she being fostered out or staying in kennels?

[ThatVikRinA22]

my cav was also very nervous when i got her - a rescue that had been mistreated.

i thought she had something wrong with her jaw as she drooled so much to begin with - but it was nerves.

within a week she was much much better - honestly - they adapt so fast. cavs are so robust and so eager to please - dont let the nerves put you off.

mine was easy as pie to house train, lead train, and recall. within weeks she was off a lead in the park and is now waggy tailed.

[ThatVikRinA22]

oh - and as for the other dog - i had my own cav when i brought my rescue cav home - she was very scared of him to start with - but within days they bonded.

when he died she cried, and jumped into his little grave to say good bye - she was ok after that.

they will get over nerves - just persevere. i was so surprised by how fast mine adapted.

hth

[ThatVikRinA22]

lordy, now i am wondering if we have room for another.....problem for me is that i now work funny shifts and have no time to devote.....id have more cavs in a heartbeat though. they really are just big babies and adorable.

[puffinnuffin]

Thanks for the encouraging words.
I think what was so shocking was that with Cav's you expect them to have a madly waggy tail and to be all lively- this poor dog had a thin fur less tail. I am worried about her hind legs though as she didn't seem to be able to walk properly- would this be arthiritus or nerves?? It must be so confusing for the poor dog.

Shinky-She is in 'Last Chance'.

[TheseGoToEleven]

Poor dog. :( I would have taken her home there and then but I am not known for common sense.
I had a foster rescue that was very nervous and sad, he was out of his shell within a week and became a completely different dog to the one I met the first day. They truly are so forgiving and adaptable, I wouldn't really go by how they are in kennels as being representative of how they are in a home where they are looked after.

[shinky]

Thanks PUFFIN. Is 'Dora' the dog you are speaking about? They dont give specific information on the web site.

[puffinnuffin]

Thanks for the encouraging words.
I think what was so shocking was that with Cav's you expect them to have a madly waggy tail and to be all lively- this poor dog had a thin fur less tail. I am worried about her hind legs though as she didn't seem to be able to walk properly- would this be arthiritus or nerves?? It must be so confusing for the poor dog.

Shinky-She is in 'Last Chance'.

[puffinnuffin]

Sorry don't know I posted twice!

Shinky- yes it is Dora.

[Scuttlebutter]

A couple of points. A reputable rescue will attend to any dog's immediate medical needs before placing them for rehoming. Typically they will be with a foster carer while these issues are resolved e.g. teeth operated on, spay/neuter, achievement of ideal weight, parasite treatment, and importantly a behavioural assessment and often the beginning of training/home adjustment. If a rescue is trying to persuade you to directly adopt a dog that is needing this sort of work, then I would walk away, and I would also expect a reputable rescue to be able to give a very detailed veterinary/health care report on the conditions that have been identified, the treatment received so far, their effect and likely needs for future treatment.

I am not saying this because only perfect dogs should be adopted (far from it!) but most rescues will do their utmost to get dogs stabilised health wise before going to their forever homes. We foster, and one of our fosters has had similar work done since being with us including major dental surgery, and dealing with severe underweight (her untreated teeth meant she could not eat the food provided so was literally starving). There is no way she could or would be rehomed until she has regained a reasonable weight and her health has stabilised.

Dogs with severe and multiple health issues should only be taken on by experienced homes with back up from rescue.

[puffinnuffin]

They did seem very caring and kind with very strict rules. They will do a home check first to see if you are suitable and the whole family has to meet the dog. They did also say that they would sort dental work/medication/neutering etc out before she left. Back up from the rescue is available and you can return her if it doesn't work out. They did seem very thorough and reputable. I guess it is tricky as she came without any history.